JSpira

I am completely indecisive about this.

Would appreciate hearing from members who have the AS option and who don?t in a similarly equipped Auto.

Iceman

I don't want to miss As anymore.

Gives a perfect handling in curves and even on highways. Also makes parking much easier and faster.
I have driven a lot of loaners without AS... E60's with AS handle much better and are more stable on the highway.

swajames

Absolutely - it's awesome, and I loved it on my 545.

As I posted on another thread just the other day:

I had AS on my 2005 545, and I loved it. It got even better as the software was upgraded. When I got the 2007 550, I didn't get it - I immediately missed it, and really regretted it from that point on. It would definitely be on my next E60 if I were to get another one. Despite what some members have posted on here, I personaly always found AS to be utterly predictable in operation. Having made one mistake, AS for me is a must. The steering on an E60 with AS feels much closer to that of my 997 S than the steering on my 550 which was standard servotronic.

Hormazd

It kept getting better and better trough CIP Upgrades on my 545i. Its perfect on the 550i LCI. I only notice it when its not there.

1600

I've had it both ways and prefer the vehicle without it . The road feel is very different and probably you need to test drive to see if it's
for you.

pharding

It is awesome on the 550 sport with the sport automatic transmission. It works well to maneuver in parking lots and is also very firm and responsive at high speed. It is well integrated with SAT. BMW perfected AS in the LCI. I highly recommend it.

Casper

I had it in my 2005 545i and I liked it, when I ordered my 2008 550 sport I was asking the same question, the M5 does not have it so that got me thinking, I test drove the car without it and decided to order w/o AS, I do not miss it at all.

swajames

The M5 does not have active steering, but it does have variable steering ratios (giving progressively greater steering angle as the wheel is turned off center). The M5 steering is, I think, closer in concept and execution to AS than standard servotronic steering.

JSpira

I?m very sensitive to getting sufficient roadfeel and I am afraid that AS reduces it.

I spent 10 day in a 2008 550i mit Sportpaket with AS. It handled well but seemed to be too removed from the road.

swajames

AS or not, let's be realistic - we're talking about a 4000lb sedan with active anti rollbars. You're never going to get as connected to the road as you would in a smaller more nimble vehicle with a sportier suspension. AS does, however, make the 4000lb sedan feel like a go kart. It's an awesome system.

AS is also entirely mechanical - there's no reason why it should feel any less connected than a standard servotronic system. Personally, I don't think it does.